Toy rocket launching system

ABSTRACT

An elongated balloon is inflated and the open end is twisted and positioned over an upstanding peg fixedly secured to a flat launching platform. A lever, attached for pivotal movement to the platform, is pressed into engagement with an intermediate portion of one side of the balloon and held in this position. This presses the opposite side of the intermediate portion of the balloon against a back support which is secured to and extends upwardly from the platform to thereby capture and hold the balloon in an upright position. A plastic space capsule is positioned over the upper end of the held balloon and the lever is released. The pressurized air escapes from the open end of the balloon forcing it upwardly from the launching platform, ultimately the balloon deflates and separates from the launched capsule.

United States Patent [191 Gilbert Aug. 27, 1974 TOY ROCKET LAUNCHINGSYSTEM Bertram C. Gilbert, 4535 Butler St., Fort Meade, Md. 20755 [22]Filed: Aug. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 387,302

Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Antonio F. Guida Assistant Examiner-J. Q. LeverAttorney, Agent, or FirmWalter G. Finch, Esq.

[ ABSIRACT An elongated balloon is inflated and the open end is twistedand positioned over an upstanding peg fixedly secured to a flatlaunching platform. A lever, attached for pivotal movement to theplatform, is pressed into engagement with an intermediate portion of oneside of the balloon and held in this position. This presses the oppositeside of the intermediate portion of the balloon against a back supportwhich is secured to and extends upwardly from the platform to therebycapture and hold the balloon in an upright position. A plastic spacecapsule is positioned over the upper end of the held balloon and thelever is released. The pressurized air escapes from the open end of theballoon forcing it upwardly from the launching platform, ultimately theballoon deflates and separates from the launched capsule.

13 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures TOY ROCKET LAUNCHING SYSTEM This inventionrelates to a toy rocket launching device, and more particularly itpertains to an inflatable device which, when released, propels anobject, such as a toy space capsule, into the air.

Many toys utilizing the reaction power principle are unsafe in designand complicated in operation. While such toys are designed for theenjoyment of children, it is usually necessary to require the presenceof an adult to safely operate the toy device. Additionally, thecomplexity of such toys require the dexterity and abilities of an adultto operate.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a reactionpowered toy, such as a rocket launcher,

which is safe for operation by a child.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reaction powered toy,such as a rocket launcher, which is uncomplicated in structure anddesign and inexpensive to make.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a reaction poweredtoy, such as a rocket launcher, which is sufficiently simple inoperation to permit full operation thereof by a child.

A further object of this invention is to provide an educational toyrocket launching device which in operation teaches basic principles ofrocket launching, space vehicle separation and return of launched spacecapsule.

Other objects and attendant advantages of this invention will becomemore readily apparent and understood from the detailed specification andaccompanging drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictoral view showing a platform supported launching devicefor launching and propelling 21 toy space capsule in accordance withprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing areleasable support for a launching balloon;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showingelements of a latching mechanism; and

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view showing the latching mechanism of FIG. 3.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1, a toy rocketlaunching device 10. The device includes a launching pad or supportplatform 12 which supports an L-shaped back support 14. One leg of theback support 14 is fastened to the platform 12 while the other legextends perpendicularly from the platform. A lower, front support 16 issecured to the platform 12 and is spaced from the back support adistance sufficient to receive an inflated, elongated balloon 18. A stoppeg 20 is secured to and extends perpendicularly from the platform 12 inthe space between the frontand back supports 16 and 14.

A holding lever 22 is attached to a bracket 24 for pivotal movementrelative thereto while the bracket is fixedly secured to the platform12. The free end of the lever 22 is formed with an arcuately shapedclasp 26 which is contoured to be positioned partially about an notrupture the engaged portion of the balloon. An open loop 30 is formed atan intermediate section of the lever 22 and has a cord 32 tietherethrough. The cord 32 is passed through an eyelet 34 which issecured to the platform 12 and through a cord latching device 36 showngenerally in FIG. 1 and specifically in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The latching device 36 includes a preformed metal member 38 which isfastened to the platform 12. One end of the member is formed with sidewall and overhang portions which receive and support a pivot pin 40. Acoiled spring 42 is positioned about the pin which also provides pivotalsupport for one end of a clamp bar 44. The opposite end of the clamp bar44 is formed with a shoulder 46 which is positionable beneath aninwardly biased latch 48 formed at the other end of the member 38. Aclamping block 50 is positioned between the member 38 and the clamp bar44 along an intermediate portion thereof. The cord 32 is positionablebetween the clamp bar 44 and the clamping block 50 and is held in thisposition when the shoulder 46 is positioned beneath the latch 48.

In use, the balloon 18 is inflated and the open end is twisted but nottied. The lower end of the inflated balloon 18 is then positionedbetween the back and front supports 14 and 16 with the twisted, untiedend pressed onto the top of the stop peg 20 as shown in FIG. 2. With theballoon 18 held manually in this position, the cord 32 is pulled toposition, the clasp 26 into firm engagement with the balloon. The cord32 is then pulled taut and placed between the clamp bar 44 and theclamping block 50. The clamp bar 44 is then positioned as shown in FIG.3 so that the shoulder 46 is held by the latch 48. This clamps the cord32 in the taut condition and holds the clasp 36 in firm engagement withthe balloon 18 to thereby preclude the balloon from releasing.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plastic space capsule 52, having a cup-shapedopening, is positioned over the upper free end of the inflated balloon18. The child then presses the latch 48 to release the clamping bar 44.Due to the biasing action of the coiled spring 42, the clamping bar 44is pivoted upwardly to release the cord 32. As the cord 32 is released,the confined pressure within the balloon 18 attempts to escape andexerts pressure on the twisted end. This reaction powered pressurecauses the end to untwist and lift the ballon 18 from the platform 12and from between the back and front supports 14 and 16.

The launched balloon 18, with the space capsule 52, follows atrajectory, for example, as shown by the dotted line 54. Eventually thereactive pressure of the balloon l8 expires and the balloon is deflated.As the expiration of the reactive pressure begins to occur, the spacecapsule 52 departs from the substantially deflated balloon 18 thusgiving the appearance of a capsule launching and a separation oflaunching rocket and launched capsule.

The lever 22 is sufficiently movable to grasp different sizes ofballoons as well as balloons of the same size which are inflated todifferent sizes.

The cord latching device 36 could be designed to provide count downfacilities which release the cord 32 after a timed count down. Such acount down facility could include dials and clocks on a panel locateddistantly from the launching platform 12.

The platform 12 can be provided with rubber retainer legs (not shown) tohold the device 10 in position on the floor. Or the platform 12 could beformed with holes (not shown) to receive pegs therethrough for holdingthe platform to a fixed surface such as the ground.

The device 10 could be utilized as a game wherein the capsule 52 isaimed toward various types of targets with different children takingturns.

In addition, the toy rocket launching device 10 is educational becauseit provides for children a safe dem onstration of rocket launching,space vehicle separation and return of the-space capsule.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

l. A toy rocket launching device, comprising:

a support member;

an inflatable element;

means fixedly secured to said support member for engaging at least aportion of said element when in the inflated condition;

means secured movably to said support and positionable in engagementwith another portion of said element in the inflated condition forgrasping the inflatable element when in the inflated condition betweenthe fixed engaging means and the movable means;

stop means extending from said support member and located between saidfixed means and said movable means for pressing against said inflatableelement in the inflated grasped condition to retain inflating pressurewithin said element; and,

means for releasably latching said movable means in the graspingposition whereby said inflatable element is held in the grasped positionand is releasable to lift from the support member under escapingreactive pressure contained within said inflatable element.

2. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, and additionallya light weight toy capsule positionable unsecuredly on top of saidinflatable element when in the inflated condition for lift off therewithand separation therefrom.

3. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1 and additionallya friction lining material attached to the surfaces of said fixed andmovable means where said fixed and movable means are positioned to graspsaid inflatable element.

4. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidinflatable element is an elongated balloon having a single opening.

5. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidfixed means includes an L-shaped member having one leg thereof securedfixedly to said support member and the other leg extendingperpendicularly therefrom with said other leg engaging and supporting aportion of said inflatable element.

6. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidmovable means includes a lever having one end thereof mounted forpivotal movement to said support member and a clasp formed at the otherend thereof, said clasp contoured to be partially positionable about aportion of said inflatable member.

7. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidlatching means includes a cord having a portion thereof attached to saidmovable means, means for clamping another portion of said cord so thatwhen said cord is taut after said movable means is in grasping positionabout said inflatable element said cord is held taut, and means forselectively releasing said clamping means to permit the movable means tobe moved away from said inflatable element as said element moves underthe reactive pressure escaping therefrom.

8. A toy rocket launching device, comprising:

a support member;

an inflatable element;

means fixedly secured to said support member for engaging at least aportion of said element when in the inflated condition;

means secured movably to said support and positionable in engagementwith another portion of said element in the inflated condition forgrasping the inflatable element when in the inflated condition betweenthe fixed engaging means and the movable means; and,

means for releasably latching said movable means in the graspingposition, said latching means including a cord having a portion thereofattached to said movable means, means for clamping another portion ofsaid cord so that when said cord is taut after said movable means is ingrasping position about said inflatable element said cord is held taut,and means for selectively releasing said clamping means to permit themovable means to be moved away from said inflatable element as saidelement moves under the reactive pressure escaping therefrom.

9. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, and additionallya stop means extending from said support member and located between saidfixed means and said movable means for pressing against said inflatableelement in the inflated grasped condition to retain inflating pressurewithin said element.

10. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, andadditionally a lightweight toy capsule positionable unsecuredly on topof said inflatable element when is the inflated condition for lift offtherewith and separation therefrom.

11. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, andadditionally a friction lining material attached to the surfaces of saidfixed and movable means where said fixed and movable means arepositioned to grasp said inflatable element.

12. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, wherein saidmovable means includes a lever having one end thereof mounted forpivotal movement to said support member and a clasp formed at the otherend thereof, said clasp contoured to be partially positionable about aportion of said inflatable member.

13. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, wherein saidinflatable element is an elongated balloon having a single opening.

1. A toy rocket launching device, comprising: a support member; aninflatable element; means fixedly secured to said support member forengaging at least a portion of said element when in the inflatedcondition; means secured movably to said support and positionable inengagement with another portion of said element in the inflatedcondition for grasping the inflatable element when in the inflatedcondition between the fixed engaging means and the movable means; stopmeans extending from said support member and located between said fixedmeans and said movable means for pressing against said inflatableelement in the inflated grasped condition to retain inflating pressurewithin said element; and, means for releasably latching said movablemeans in the grasping position whereby said inflatable element is heldin the grasped position and is releasable to lift from the supportmember under escaping reactive pressure contained within said inflatableelement.
 2. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 1, andadditionally a light weight toy capsule positionable unsecuredly on topof said inflatable element when in the inflated condition for lift offtherewith and separation therefrom.
 3. A toy rocket launching device asrecited in claim 1 and additionally a friction lining material attachedto the surfaces of said fixed and movable means where said fixed andmovable means are positioned to grasp said inflatable element.
 4. A toyrocket launching device as recited in claim 1, wherein said inflatableelement is an elongated balloon having a single opening.
 5. A toy rocketlaunching device as recited in claim 1, wherein said fixed meansincludes an L-shaped member having one leg thereof secured fixedly tosaid support member and the other leg extending perpendicularlytherefrom with said other leg engaging and supporting a portion of saidinflatable element.
 6. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim1, wherein said movable means includes a lever having one end thereofmounted for pivotal movement to said support member and a clasp formedat the other end thereof, said clasp contoured to be partiallypositionable about a portion of said inflatable member.
 7. A toy rocketlaunching device as recited in claim 1, wherein said latching meansincludes a cord having a portion thereof attached to said movable means,means for clamping another portion of said cord so that when said cordis taut after said movable means is in grasping position about saidinflatable element said cord is held taut, and means for selectivelyreleasing said clamping means to permit the movable means to be movedaway from said inflatable element as said element moves under thereactive pressure escaping therefrom.
 8. A toy rocket launching device,comprising: a support member; an inflatable element; means fixedlysecured to said support member for engaging at least a portion of saidelement when in the inflated condition; means secured movably to saidsupport and positionable in engagement with another portion of saidelement in the inflated condition for grasping the inflatable elementwhen in the inflated condition between the fixed engaging means and themovable means; and, means fOr releasably latching said movable means inthe grasping position, said latching means including a cord having aportion thereof attached to said movable means, means for clampinganother portion of said cord so that when said cord is taut after saidmovable means is in grasping position about said inflatable element saidcord is held taut, and means for selectively releasing said clampingmeans to permit the movable means to be moved away from said inflatableelement as said element moves under the reactive pressure escapingtherefrom.
 9. A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, andadditionally a stop means extending from said support member and locatedbetween said fixed means and said movable means for pressing againstsaid inflatable element in the inflated grasped condition to retaininflating pressure within said element.
 10. A toy rocket launchingdevice as recited in claim 8, and additionally a lightweight toy capsulepositionable unsecuredly on top of said inflatable element when is theinflated condition for lift off therewith and separation therefrom. 11.A toy rocket launching device as recited in claim 8, and additionally afriction lining material attached to the surfaces of said fixed andmovable means where said fixed and movable means are positioned to graspsaid inflatable element.
 12. A toy rocket launching device as recited inclaim 8, wherein said movable means includes a lever having one endthereof mounted for pivotal movement to said support member and a claspformed at the other end thereof, said clasp contoured to be partiallypositionable about a portion of said inflatable member.
 13. A toy rocketlaunching device as recited in claim 8, wherein said inflatable elementis an elongated balloon having a single opening.